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Advanced imaging techniques in pediatric body MRI

  • Minisymposium: MR techniques in pediatric radiology
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Abstract

While there are many challenges specific to pediatric abdomino-pelvic MRI, many recent advances are addressing these challenges. It is therefore essential for radiologists to be familiar with the latest advances in MR imaging. Laudable efforts have also recently been implemented in many centers to improve the overall experience of pediatric patients, including the use of dedicated radiology child life specialists, MRI video goggles, and improved MR suite environments. These efforts have allowed a larger number of children to be scanned while awake, with fewer studies being done under sedation or anesthesia; this has resulted in additional challenges from patient motion and difficulties with breath-holding and tolerating longer scan times. In this review, we highlight common challenges faced in imaging the pediatric abdomen and pelvis and discuss the application of the newest techniques to address these challenges. Additionally, we highlight the newest advances in quantified imaging techniques, specifically in MR liver iron quantification. The techniques described in this review are all commercially available and can be readily implemented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, 1975 4th St., C1785L, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA

    Jesse Courtier

  2. Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

    Anil G. Rao

  3. Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Sudha A. Anupindi

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  1. Jesse Courtier
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  2. Anil G. Rao
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  3. Sudha A. Anupindi
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Correspondence to Jesse Courtier.

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Courtier, J., Rao, A.G. & Anupindi, S.A. Advanced imaging techniques in pediatric body MRI. Pediatr Radiol 47, 522–533 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-017-3778-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-017-3778-0

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